Not even a newbie yet - but thinking of trying

[dhornick]

As I've grown older, I've always wanted to try an RV. Never having stayed in one, I'm sure there are some key points to make things better the first couple of trips.

My plans are to rent a brand new 33' class C for a three day trial period. I want everything to go well and I especially want the wife to have a good time and enjoy the experience. She's not as overly keen on the whole idea as I am but has agreed to try it.

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

[amdriven2liv]

We have a rule, first night at the campground, dinner will be simple, like sandwiches or something pre-made before the trip. Getting to campground, getting set-up all takes time. Then having to "cook" dinner just means more work before enjoyment even starts. Keep the first night simple.

We like to stretch the legs a bit after a 4 hour drive. A quick trip around the campground lets you see how others are set up. We all live differently. Say hi! If you see something someone has or does, ask! Most of us like to talk about RVing! Just look at how many responses you got here.

Enjoy your first trip.

[2gypsies1]

There are now many YouTube videos on 'How to do' such as dumping the tanks.

[doxiemom11]

I would rent the 33' so that there is plenty of room and she is comfortable. (we live in our 36'- good size) and I would also suggest that you educate yourself a little bit on hooking up the sewer, dumping or anything else you might wonder about so that it isn't a big deal to do any of these things you may need to do. The smoother the whole operation, the more you will enjoy.

[tatest]

What is your idea of how a RV will be used?

Do you want to travel? Then with the rental, plan a short trip to see some places of interest to both of you. The RV replaces the motel room you would use on a road trip.

Do you want to go to a campground and vegetate? Someone can spot a rental for you at a site, or you might consider cabin camping, or you can drive a motorhome rental to someplace close enough that the trip is not boring.

My wife was never into going out to the lake to sit around. She liked road trips, or going out with a group. We were in a RV club and for her it was all about the social interactions. If you have activities in mind while RVing, you need to get her on board with those, or find something she likes to do. Otherwise it isn't going to work, or you'll be doing it alone.

[catkins]

Whatever size you rent, remember that this may NOT be the right RV for you to own. Once you have dipped your toes into the Rving lifestyle water, you can begin to really look at options/makes/models that will really work for you. Many rentals are basic models without all the bells and whistles than can make RVing feel extravagant and fun.

Class A's have advantages and do C classes. Compare and decide later. Read, read, read and ask lots of questions of other RVers before you let a salesman get to you. Their only job is to move a unit, regardless of whether it is a good fit for you. Just saying............... there are some gems of salesmen out there but they are few and far between.

Have your wife think about what works for her and what she wishes the rental RV had to make her more excited about RVing. Good luck on your first RV adventure and here's hoping for many more for you! And yes, take her out to dinner so she feels like it is a vacation for her too.
Happy Trails!

[2012Coleman]

dhornick wrote:
Thanks everyone for the excellent feedback. Tons of good advise to draw from. No we're not retired yet, three years to go. One of the things neither one of us likes to much is the idea of being packed into a RV camp like Sardines. The more room the better, ideally a lake front or river front spot with a decent vista. We also like to bicycle so some nice trails wouild be great too. I've spent alot of time looking at RV Park Reviews.

Then you need to check out state parks - not RV resorts. Go and rent the size you feel comfortable in and have a great time. Post back with the details.

[Jayco-noslide]

Expecting "everything to go well" is probably unrealistic. We've done it for over 40 yrs. and sometimes things still don't go well.That doesn't mean there will be a catastrophy but just some problems. Renting seems like a good move to see if you like it but it's a learning process that goes on a long time.

[dave17352]

I agree a smaller rig for the rental. With just two you don't need all that space. Unless of course you are used to driving bigger vehicles. I would tend to say take more like 5 days. Head up to the mountains. Or maybe the Black Hills where you can see some cool stuff us flat lander's don't have! Or rent it for a extra night and camp out at home just to learn how to play with all the gadgets. Also remember the rig needs to be kept reasonably level to keep the fridge working properly. That way you can get the fridge loaded. Find all the things you forget etc. JMHO Also remember that isn't your sticks and bricks plumbing system. You don't leave the faucet running or take super long showers. Unless of course you have full hook ups. You can find all that out at home in your driveway:)

[garmp]

I would not get a 33 ft for the first trip. Understandably you want to show her as much room as possible, but if you do plan to visit a local eatery or tour, that's a lot of coach to park on lots or town streets.
You will enjoy it!

[2gypsies1]

dhornick wrote:
One of the things neither one of us likes to much is the idea of being packed into a RV camp like Sardines. The more room the better, ideally a lake front or river front spot with a decent vista. We also like to bicycle so some nice trails wouild be great too.

O.K. That's a start. Here's a link for bike trails in Nebraska or you can plug in any other state:

http://www.traillink.com/stateactivity/ne-bike-trails.aspx

Look for parks near one of these trails...perhaps there's even one that you can ride your bike to the start of the trail. You can always put your bikes inside the motorhome you'll be renting. Just put a tarp or piece of cardboard on the floor to protect it from tire marks and some protection from the bikes rubbing against each other.

Sometimes you'll find state parks have a connection to biking.

Good luck! We're all intent on getting you out there RVing!!!

[Artum_Snowbird]

The trouble with renting such a big rig is that the front (where you sit) doesn't always remember what the back (where the curbs, bumps, trees, signs, and other vehicles) sits.

I started with a 26 footer, and it was a good learning curve just to wield that around. Certainly pay for any "no deductible" insurance costs.

[Jebby14]

best luck to you. my wife was not a camper when we used to tent camp. now that I have the TT (and its not a nice TT) she will go at a moments notice. heck taking the first trip of the year next weekend with a toddler and a 7 week old baby. not a chance she would have done that before the TT

[dhornick]

Thanks everyone for the excellent feedback. Tons of good advise to draw from. No we're not retired yet, three years to go. One of the things neither one of us likes to much is the idea of being packed into a RV camp like Sardines. The more room the better, ideally a lake front or river front spot with a decent vista. We also like to bicycle so some nice trails wouild be great too. I've spent alot of time looking at RV Park Reviews.

[DutchmenSport]

Tiger4x4RV wrote:
Here in California, there are companies which will deliver a fully-stocked rental trailer to your campground and set it up for you. I could not find such a service for Nebraska, but the Grand Island KOA apparently has a couple of rental trailers (https://koa.com/campgrounds/grand-island/site-type/unique-lodging/.

Since you said you have never even stayed in an RV, this might be a way to ease into things.

Actually, this is VERY good advise.